Content to Walk in my own Shoes this Christmas

I've just returned from the pool, had lunch, and taken a deep breath as I contemplate what might be written today by my buddy.  Perhaps I've mentioned it previously, not sure, but often I go back to review what I said last time in an effort to avoid duplication.  Inevitably, I seriously wonder where the words came from.  Mind you, I know exactly where they came from and I continue to thank the Holy Spirit for His guidance and direction.

Let's do an update on the medical front in accordance with the established pattern of thought and original reason for these posts.  Had a consult with an Ophthalmologist last Tuesday morning and got the results of the bone scan and cat scan that same afternoon.   If you're like me, you've heard about the eye clinic waiting room bursting at the seams with patient patients filling their time with trivial matters as they anticipate their name being called on the intercom advising what room to report to for service.  Well, let me tell you, for my purpose, a cataract consult, we were sent to the 3rd floor at Hotel Dieu Hospital, not the usual 6th floor which I described.  There were perhaps 12 chairs and maybe 6 patients waiting.  In the short time we were there, a couple of nurses buzzed around calling people here and directing people there and in the midst of it, a male voice calling patients into the inner sanctum.  A nurse politely ushered us in, eye drops within seconds of sitting down followed by instructions to read the chart with my glasses on.  Ok done.   From there we went back to the waiting room and barely warmed our seats when called in to see the doctor.  In a most pleasant way he introduced himself, told us about his expertise and experience and dictated a letter over the phone within about a minute.  As he did his examination, he very casually commented, "You know you're legally blind in your right eye, don't you?"  I said pardon!  But believe it or not, in many ways I felt relieved that the last few months have not been the result of an overactive imagination about my sight and general sense of discombobulation.

Early in the new year I can look forward to restored vision for which I'm ever so grateful.

After a quick stop we went on to our appointment with the symptom doctor to learn the results of the scans.  Our little entourage of Mike, my constant co-pilot Tess and I arrived at the Cancer Centre with a relative sense of calm.  My ever active imagination was convinced that if the news was bad, the examining room would have members of the oncology team ready with clip boards in hand and straight faces.  But no, the cheerful nurse took us through our usual paces of weigh in, blood pressure, heart rate etc. after which a medical resident arrived with the physician in tow.  We did a review, he did a sort of examination, then proceeded to tell us the results of the tests.  The bone scan was clear - no unusual cells or lesions to be found!  Hip hip hooray!  The cat scan was virtually unchanged from May of this year.  Cells and lesions still present in my liver but stable and behaving very well. Needless to say the result of the news was a happy dance with hugs all around.  Anyone who has been following this blog with any regularity will know exactly where we solidly give credit.  Yup, squarely in the lap of all the prayers that have continued to come our way over the past 4 years.  Christmas came early to our house and we joyfully say 'God is Good'.  What a relief!  The coast is clear to dismiss all the aches and pains as side effects, results of ageing, or minor strains.  Who cares!?!  We can deal with it all, knowing not to constantly jump to conclusions with every twinge or sore joint or muscle.  I can continue to live every day well until I'm not.

More than anything else these last few weeks, is the feeling of inner peace and almost a joyful heart that has lifted my spirits.  It's almost hard to describe although I can't help but wonder if detaching from the trappings of everyday life, focusing on the smallest of issues or the social pressures that go with the season has created a small bubble of contentment.  I've been wondering why it has taken me so long to achieve this state of inner peace, something I've strived for most of my life.  Yet here we are, having faced some of the most precarious times, able to be accepting of what is and simply following it along like one of those inner tubes on a lazy river in the warm sunshine (as the frigid wind blows outside right now).  I even pondered why, this year, unlike many before, I actually enjoyed baking cookies with a friend.  You who know me well, are familiar with the frozen look of fear anytime someone even mentions the idea of baking!  What I concluded was the joy I experienced knowing I was helping someone else achieve a goal, which, in turn, with a ripple effect was going to bring joy to others.

One reasonable explanation for this new feeling may well be the result of no longer making up to do lists for one day, that couldn't be completed in 5 or 6 days!  Another may be that I'm not having to fit and squish things in between commitments and expectations of others.  No, these days I allow the true Director of the Universe to set the pace and He is much more reasonable than I had ever been.

As we face the final countdown toward Christmas, may you enjoy peace, good health and pleasant times with family and friends.  We plan to do just that, regardless of who ends up where on what day. The season will come together exactly as it is supposed to:  Divinely Perfect.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.  Aren't you glad to be walking in your own shoes rather than so many who live with only a glimmer of hope of a better life?  Let's all say a prayer, or send positive energy, or whatever works for you, to all those less fortunate than ourselves and wish them well from the bottom of our hearts.

Love and hugs,

Liz

dobbsjones@gmail.com

"Prayers wrapped in faith and sent with love are the greatest gifts we can receive."